Stats Zone World Cup 2014 Team of the Tournament

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Overall, Tim Howard made the most saves at this World Cup, but 15 of his 27 came in that one remarkable game against Belgium. And Keylor Navas had a higher percentage of shots saved, with a startling 91.3% – stopping 21 of the 23 accurate efforts on his goal, a total beyond the reach of Joe Hart (6 shots on target, 1 save).

But always present in the background is Neuer. He made the second-most saves (24) and had the second-highest save percentage (85.19%). Throughout the tournament he was crucial: he saved 6 of Ghana's 8 accurate efforts, to secure a vital group-stage point; 3 of Algeria's 4 to see Germany into the quarter-finals, where he saved all of France's 5 – more than Germany managed; even in that remarkable semi-final he saved 7 of Brazil's 8 accurate attempts (compared to Julio Cesar's 3 of 10).

He was also quietly key to Germany's tactics. Despite having a somewhat one-paced defence, Jogi Löw's team could compress the midfield because their sweeper-keeper was usually there to tidy up and recycle the ball; his pass total of 170 was eight more than Neymar managed. Besides, if you argue with him, he may just come flying towards you knee-first – and he'll get the free kick, because he's a goalkeeper.